The question under consideration in this blog is 'Can Workplace Bullying Be Illegal?'
Bullying would be illegal if it violated federal and state laws prohibiting harassment and discrimination in the workplace.The discrimination and harassment laws protect employees from harassment based on protected rights-such as race, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, etc. Such behavior is considered offensive and abusive.
So if Susan's manager makes fun of her and picks on her continuously-calling her names like stupid--and if these remarks are based on the fact that she is a woman-this treatment from Susan's manager may be construed as harassment which is illegal.There are no such laws regarding workplace bullying.
We need to be on the forefront of discussing and passing the anti-bullying Healthy Workplace Bill. This bill would make abusive conduct, legally actionable. As a result, employees would be liable if they failed to correct or protect anti-bullying incidents in their workplace environments.
Visit www.bullyingpreventionconsulting.com
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